New app helping teachers to work

SNAPSHOT OF GENIUS: The app created by two New Plymouth Boys' High School teachers should help their colleagues record student learning progress on the go.

Student learning progress can now be tracked live with an app developed by a group of Taranaki teachers.

Andy Evans and Felix Hartmann, of New Plymouth Boys' High School, along with Felix's brother, Moriz, of Woodleigh School, have created an app called App T.

It allows teachers to record, photograph and note student work as it happens all in one place, with the information stored away under each student's folder.

The idea for software to help lighten teacher workloads came after Mr Evans saw the lack of suitable apps in the marketplace.

"There are lots of different apps out there but in my experience, they're all very generic," he said.

With the programme, teachers can document their students' work as it happens, without having to first snap a photo of their work and uploading it onto a computer before marking it.

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Reports can also be immediately emailed to parents, Mr Evans said.

Photos and videos that teachers take on their iPads could end up anywhere on the device, he said. "But this one goes straight into the programme and they have the information in front of them."

It saves teachers from having to sift through hundreds of files just to find the one they want, Mr Evans said.

"If a teacher is doing sport, they can video the child doing their throwing, swimming or catching and all the information can then be taken to meetings or to show parents," he said.

Schools St Pius X and Woodleigh, along with colleges Spotswood and NPBHS are currently using the app, and feedback has been positive, Mr Evans said.

There is also a version for students to track and mark their own development.

NPBHS head of hospitality Adrienne Roberts said the app had reduced her workload and stress levels.

"It's not a one-size-fits-all," Ms Roberts said.

"Because of this, I have been able to tie functions together so that at the touch of a button, I might complete several tasks at a time that might otherwise take several hours to complete," Ms Roberts said.

Schools interested to learn more about the software can email apptsoft@gmail.com.